Located on the west slope of the Santa Cruz mountains, Big Basin State Park offers amazing views of the California Redwoods.  It is located in a dense forest just off of California Route 9.

    Castle Rock State Park is located on Skyline Boulevard, which is a portion of California Route 35.  Rising over 3000' in the Santa Cruz mountains, it is a great place to visit during the winter, when snow is a possibility.

    Located in the East Bay hills, Sunol Regional Park is a superb place for the casual day hike, on which you can spot wildlife, especially vultures, raptors, and ungulates.